SriLanka, Sept. 4 -- Sri Lanka's apparel manufacturing sector is grappling with sharply compressed order horizons from American buyers alongside virtually zero financial relief from tariff refunds, even as the same US court ruling that unlocked those refunds has delivered a windfall to the American brands they supply, according to the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).

Addressing a recent edition of First Capital Stock Talk, JAAF Secretary General Yohan Lawrence said international buyers in the United States, which accounts for approximately 40 percent of the island's apparel exports, have significantly altered their procurement strategies. Buyers are now trying to commit to as little as possible, reducing typical order horizons fro...